08 May Is it safe to sign up for credit monitoring after a data breach?

Q. Recently I was part of a class action suit because my health care provider was hacked and my personal information was stolen. I have not had any problems, but along with the settlement of $57.30, I’m being offered free credit monitoring for two years. I’ve gotten letters before from other institutions about being hacked. My question is how do I know giving this monitoring company all my information online is safe. Any advice?
— Consumer

A. We’re sorry to hear you were the victim of a data breach.

They seem so common these days.

The real question here is whether you should give out your personal information to try to protect your personal information. Seems a little ironic, right?

But if the company hired to do the credit monitoring is a legitimate one (and the company you mentioned in your question but we didn’t name here is a legitimate one), you’re probably fine to share your info online so you can sign up.

You should take the regular cautions, though. Make sure any link given to you to sign up is examined to make sure it’s not a phishing attempt. If you’re sent to a website, make sure it’s not a fake. If you’re not sure, find the company’s phone number and discuss it with them to make sure you’re not feeding your info to more bad guys.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in May 2026. 

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.